Elizabeth I

It is appropriate to note the anniversary of the birth of Elizabeth I who remains one of our most affectionately remembered monarchs. When I say ‘our’ I’m talking about the English nation - other peoples of the British Isles have less fond memories it’s fair to say. If there is a single quality that explains her enduring popularity I think it may be that we have never doubted the sincerity of her commitment to the English nation. On various issues - Protestantism, Ireland, Jews - some of us may question her judgement or regret her actions, but we are certain that her primary consideration in all affairs was to do what was best for our interests. And it is hard indeed to believe that of most monarchs.

Although its accuracy as traditionally recorded is now doubted, we believe her famous speech to troops assembled at Tillbury to fight Parma’s army is an accurate statement of her dedication to the English people and our destiny:

‘My loving people, We have been persuaded by some that are careful of our safety, to take heed how we commit ourselves to armed multitudes, for fear of treachery; but I assure you, I do not desire to live in distrust of my faithful and loving people. Let tyrants fear. I have always so behaved myself that under God, I have placed my chiefest strength and good will in the loyal hearts and good will of my subjects; and therefore I am come amongst you, as you see, at this time, not for my recreation and disport, but being resolved, in the midst and heat of battle, to live or die amongst you all; to lay for God, my kingdom, and for my people, my honour and my blood, even in the dust. I know I Have but the body of a weak and feeble woman; but I have the heart and stomach of a King, and a King of England too, and I think it foul scorn that Parma or Spain or any Prince of Europe, should dare to invade the borders of my realm; to which rather than any dishonour should grow by me, I myself will take up arms, I myself will be General, Judge and Rewarder of everyone of your virtues in the field.’

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Sayings of Elizabeth

‘Here lands as true a subject, being prisoner, as ever landed at these stairs.’ [On arriving at the Traitor’s Gate of the Tower by order of Mary in 1554]

‘I think that, at the worst, God has not yet ordained that England shall perish …’ [To the French ambassador Fénelon]

‘I find that I have sent wolves not shepherds to govern Ireland …’ [About Mountjoy’s massacres in Ireland]

‘Her Majestie understanding that there are of late divers blackmoores brought into this realme, of which kinde of people there are allready here to manie … Her Majesty's pleasure therefore ys that those kinde of people should be sent forth of the lande, and for that purpose there ys direction given to this bearer Edwarde Banes to take of those blackmoores that in this last voyage under Sir Thomas Baskervile were brought into this realme the nomber of tenn, to be transported by him out of the realme. Wherein wee require you to be aydinge and assysting unto him as he shall have occacion, therof not to faile.’ [1596 open letter]

And later:

‘[I am] highly discontented to understand the great numbers of negars and Blackamoores which are crept into this realm … who are fostered and relieved here to the great annoyance of her own liege people … should be with all speed avoided and discharged out of this Her Majesty's dominions.’ [1601 proclamation]